The House of Mirth · Chapter
Chapter VIII explained
Lily Bart, attending the Van Osburgh wedding, learns of Evie Van Osburgh's engagement to Percy Gryce, which stings her pride.
What happens
Lily Bart, attending the Van Osburgh wedding, learns of Evie Van Osburgh's engagement to Percy Gryce, which stings her pride. Gus Trenor gives her a check for four thousand dollars from stock speculation, temporarily relieving her debts and restoring her self-confidence. She resolves to recapture Percy Gryce and reflects on her social position, while encountering Lawrence Selden and Gerty Farish.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Materialism
Lily's relief at receiving money from Trenor and her focus on securing a wealthy marriage underscore the centrality of material concerns.
Social Class and Mobility
The Van Osburgh wedding exemplifies the consolidation of fortunes; Lily's maneuvering reflects her precarious social position.
Appearance vs. Reality
Lily's outward confidence masks her financial desperation; she presents gratitude to Trenor while feeling vexed by his familiarity.
Characters to notice
- Lily Bart
Feels a mix of vexation and relief upon receiving money from Trenor; resolves to win back Percy Gryce.
- Gus Trenor
Gives Lily a check from stock profits, presses her to return to Bellomont.
- Percy Gryce
Seen at the wedding; Lily considers him a target for recapture.
- Gertie Farish
Accompanies Lily at the wedding, chirping enthusiastically about the presents.
- Lawrence Selden
His presence at the wedding unsettles Lily, reminding her of past mistakes.
- Simon Rosedale
Observed slipping through the crowd; his tip enabled Trenor's speculation.
Key passages
“Evie Van Osburgh and Percy Gryce? The names rang derisively through her brain.”
Lily is shocked and scornful upon learning that Percy Gryce is engaged to Evie Van Osburgh.
Highlights Lily's competitive nature and her sense of failure.
“I sold out on the rise and I've pulled off four thou' for you.”
Gus Trenor tells Lily he made four thousand dollars for her by selling stocks at a profit.
Shows the financial arrangement between them and Lily's dependence on Trenor.
“The sight of Selden's dark head, in a pew almost facing her, disturbed for a moment the balance of her complacency.”
Seeing Lawrence Selden at the wedding unsettles Lily's restored self-confidence.
Selden's presence reminds Lily of her past mistakes and complicates her aspirations.